10 out of 10 review from 50artists50states.com
Born Divine (Rauf “BORN DIVINE” Bey)
From the streets of Baltimore to global recognition, Born Divine, also known as “Davinci,” has solidified his name as both a powerhouse MC and a visionary entrepreneur in the hip-hop industry. His independent grind, rooted in authenticity and lyrical mastery, first gained widespread attention with his debut on The Cappatalize Project and The Transition Vol. 1 mixtape. This momentum led to the release of his underground classic, The Better Life Movement, featuring Wu-Tang’s Cappadonna—an album that later inspired the launch of his company with Cappadonna under the same name.
For over four years, Born Divine toured extensively with Cappadonna and the entire Wu-Tang Clan, honing his craft on stages nationwide. As his artistry evolved, he dropped a series of projects, including I Self Lord And Master, Born In The Game (featuring Baltimore’s own “Little Melvin”), Flo Trafficin’ (featuring Cappadonna & Ty Nitty of Infamous Mobb), and The Movement.
Expanding beyond music, Born Divine secured multiple indie deals in 2012, including a production partnership with German powerhouse The Cratez for his Black Diamondz album. He then locked in a 50/50 digital distribution deal with Protect Ya Neck Records/Wu-Tang Management, ensuring his music reached global audiences. That same year, he took his entrepreneurial vision to new heights by founding IndieBoom.com, an independent artist development, digital distribution, and social media marketing platform in partnership with McDonald Music Group.
His leadership extended into tour management, successfully organizing and managing three consecutive national tours, spanning 15-20 cities at a time. Beyond music, he has played a crucial role in securing sponsorship deals for brands like Mary Jane Smoke Wear, Zenedge Energy Drink, Marani Vodka, and the National Hotels Association. In 2016, he became the Executive Vice President of Protect Ya Neck Records, broadening the IndieBoom brand into multiple industries, including artist touring, hotel booking, internet radio, and exclusive event management.
Born Divine’s impact has been recognized through multiple awards, including:
• 2015 Akademia Best Hip-Hop Video Award (I’m Gonna Soar)
• 2016 Akademia Best Rap Soul Song (Cops Get Away Wit Murda)
• 2017 Akademia Best Rap Soul Song (Cops Get Away Wit Murda)
• 2017 Man Up Music Master Award (Las Vegas) – for his contributions as a voice for the community and a catalyst for change.
As an artist, Born Divine continues to collaborate with hip-hop legends and mainstream stars, boasting tracks with Cappadonna, Raekwon, Killah Priest, Ty Nitty, Godfather Pt. 3, Prodigal Sunn, Beanie Sigel, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Yo Gotti, and Sean Paul. His latest hits—No Secrets (ft. Ne-Yo), Dope Boys (ft. Yo Gotti), and Freak Zone (ft. Flo Rida)—have kept his name buzzing across radio and television platforms.
Outside of music, his business acumen has positioned him as a leader in brand expansion. Between 2021 and 2022, he orchestrated a groundbreaking deal with Philcos, securing Protect Ya Neck Records’ first-ever clothing, smoke wear, and protective gear acquisition. This three-in-one venture also included the launch of a Born Divine & Cappadonna brand in Canada for cannabis and apparel, generating substantial revenue.
Recognizing the importance of education in business, Born Divine pursued advanced studies, earning certifications in Economics and International Business, International Politics, and International Law from the International Business Management Institute in Berlin, Germany. Additionally, he became a Certified Human Rights Consultant via the United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights and a Certified Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Consultant through Columbia University’s ColumbiaX online program.
With his relentless work ethic, Born Divine continues to shape the future of independent artistry and brand management. Now, alongside his management team—Benjamin Marin, Anita Tobin, (Team Divine Management)—he remains committed to empowering indie artists, building brands, and pushing the culture forward.
Born Divine isn’t just an artist—he’s a movement. And the best is yet to come.
